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King James Version of the
Bible
1
God is our refuge and strength, a
very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed,
and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the
sea;
3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the
mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.
4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the
city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most
High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God
shall help her, and that right early.
6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his
voice, the earth melted.
7 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our
refuge. Selah.
8 Come, behold the works of the LORD, what desolations he
hath made in the earth.
9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he
breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he
burneth the chariot in the fire.
10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among
the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.
11 The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our
refuge. Selah.1
Bible Commentary
1
God is a place of trust and
strength. Since He has always exceedingly proved his help, He may be
depended on in dire straits. Verses 1-3 constitute the first stanza,
which portrays the security of God's people even when the
foundations of the earth are shaken.2
2 The convulsions of nature, the earthquake that throws the mountains
into the sea, the roaring of the waves, the cataclysm of the tidal
wave - these phenomena as well as any commotions and revolutions in
the political world need not shake the one who trusts in God. God is
a proven refuge.2
3 The mountains shake with the swelling thereof represents the pride and
haughtiness of insolent foes3. The word Selah here
marks the close of the first stanza.2
4 A river is a beautiful figure of God's
protection. It represents a state of calm security in sharp contrast
with the wild ocean of v.3. The second stanza (vs. 4-7) depicts the
peace of the city of God, while all that is outside her walls is in
a state of uproar. Streams probably picturing canals leading from
the river to water gardens and dwellings. God's protection is
dispensed freely through innumerable channels. The streams shall
give the city of God great occasion for rejoicing and thanksgiving.4
The city of God or Jerusalem was where God was represented as having
His place of abode. In David's day the ark, the symbol of
God's presence, was housed in a temporary dwelling or tabernacle.2
5 With God being in the
midst of the city it has a firm or sure foundation. God will
help and protect the city at dawn when the morning makes its
appearance.2
6 The nations raged against God
and His people. When God spake to them in His wrath the inhabitants
of the earth were consumed.4
7 This verse is the refrain to the second stanza (see v. 11). The
refrain sounds the keynote of the psalm. God is Lord of the heavenly
bodies and angels. The God of Jacob is on our side. His presence is
terror to our enemies, safety to us. The word
Selah marks the end of the second stanza.2,3
8 The third stanza (vs. 8-11) portrays God's power manifested in
His dominion over the mighty movements of nations, and the sublimity
of His serene exaltation above them. God destroyed those who were
vexatious to His people.4
9 God has brought about a firm and well grounded peace. The usual weapons
of war as well as those using them are brought to an end.3,4
10 God himself spoke the sublime words
be still and know that I am God. Here God tells the nations to
stir no more against His people. He is the only true God; their gods
are but dumb and impotent idols. God will make Himself glorious by
His great and wonderful works.4
11 This verse is the refrain to the third stanza.2
References and notes
1. King James Authorized Version
2. SDA Bible Commentary Vol. 3 pgs
743-745
3. Jamieson, Fausset, Brown - Commentary Critical and
Explanatory on the Whole Bible - http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries
4. John Wesley's Explanatory
Notes on the Whole Bible - http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries
5. John Gill's Exposition of the
Entire Bible - http://bible.crosswalk.com/Commentaries
6. The Catholic Encylopedia New Advent: Psalms -
www.newadvent.org/cathen/12533a.htm
7. Living Word Bible Church - Five Books of Psalms -
http://www.lwbc.co.uk/5_books_of_psalms.htm
Song Reviews for Psalm 46
I enjoyed Psalms CD
I have received the cd of Psalms. I have enjoyed listening to it
very much, especially Psalm 23, and 46. The cd is truly a blessing
to me.
-
Alice G. Ruffin, SC, USA ![[flag]](../../../Music/Various-images/us.gif)
10 Apr, 2009
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Who Wrote the Psalms?